Melancholy? - not a bit of it

Here is one of my all time favourite wild flowers, the melancholy thistle (cirsium heterophyllum).

This is a plant of the north and is seen on road verges, in meadows and near streams, especially if there is a limestone substrate.

"Unlike most other thistles, the melancholy thistle has no sharp spines. It has simple, unwinged, cottony stems and leaves that are spear-shaped with prickly edges. Like other thistles, it is attractive to butterflies and its seeds are food for many species of bird, especially those in the finch family."

I find it very beautiful. This image was taken during a wildlife walk today. We walked from Chollerton to Wark alongside the river North Tyne, wherever the footpaths allowed us to. Despite the persistent rain, we enjoyed ourselves, saw and heard over 40 species of birds and goodness knows how many wild flowers, grasses, trees, etc. There were even badger latrines!

Enjoy, especially if this thistle does not grow in your neck of the woods.

PS Just about dried out now